New northern mental health complex nearly finished

Health Dept says new northern mental health complex nearly finished

The Health Department has announced progress on building more housing in Tasmania’s north for people with mental illnesses, a month after concerns were raised about patients sleeping in backpacker hostels.

In March the parents of a psychiatric patient raised concerns that their son was sent to stay in tourist accommodation after being discharged from Launceston’s Ward 1E psychiatric unit.

The Health Department today said its $2m accommodation complex in the northern Launceston suburb of Rocherlea is on schedule to be finished in August.

The Northern Manager for Mental Health Services, Susan Crave, says the units will provide a home for people with mental illnesses, but won’t eliminate the need for other accommodation.

“I think they’re very separate issues,” she said.

“I think the backpacker issue, you know, is a totally different one.

“When we look at a range, we always have to look at a wide range of accommodation for the various clients that we’re seeking to accommodate.

“This facility is set up, the ten beds are for long-stay clients, so it’s up to 24 months,” said Ms Crave.